News Summary
The inaugural ‘Fore the Fleet’ Golf Tournament is scheduled at Sea N Air Golf Course to support Naval Aviation families impacted by cancer. The four-person scramble format encourages participation while raising vital funds. Registration is open until October 5, with funds directed towards providing resources for families battling cancer, highlighted by alarming military aircrew cancer statistics. The event aims to raise awareness and foster community support for this urgent cause.
San Diego Hosts Inaugural “Fore the Fleet” Golf Tournament for Naval Aviation Families
The inaugural “Fore the Fleet” Golf Tournament is set to take place on October 20 at the Sea N Air Golf Course, aiming to raise funds for Naval Aviation families impacted by cancer. This event will feature a four-person scramble format, allowing participants to enjoy a day of golf while supporting a crucial cause. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with player swag bags and exciting on-course competitions, including the “Hole of Fortune.”
Registration for the tournament is open until Sunday, October 5, encouraging golf enthusiasts and community members to join in the effort to support afflicted families. The event starts at 8 AM and concludes with an awards ceremony at the I-Bar.
Raising Funds and Awareness
Funds raised during the tournament will contribute directly to providing financial assistance and resources for families coping with cancer. A significant issue being addressed is the alarming cancer rate among military aircrew, which is 24% higher than that of the general population, according to a 2024 Department of Defense study. Specific cancer statistics highlight the severity of the issue, with military aircrew experiencing 87% higher rates of melanoma, 39% higher rates of thyroid cancer, and 16% higher rates for both prostate cancer and breast cancer in women.
On average, military aircrew receive their cancer diagnoses twelve years earlier than their civilian counterparts, indicating an urgent need for early detection and support services.
Support Initiatives
Personal experiences, such as that of Gatlin Hardin, a Navy helicopter pilot diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer at age 36, underscore the importance of this initiative. Despite having no family history of the disease and experiencing minimal symptoms, Hardin’s diagnosis led to deep challenges for him and his family, including managing treatment while raising four daughters. His wife, Breen hardin, founded a nonprofit called Anchored For Good in May to provide assistance to other Naval Aviation families encountering similar struggles.
Anchored For Good offers vital resources, including financial assistance and cancer screenings targeted towards the aviation community through a partnership with a biotech company. The screenings, available to all Naval Aviation personnel and possibly their spouses, aim to encourage earlier detection by facilitating tests that can identify cancer before the typical screening age of 45.
A Growing Need
The necessity for such initiatives is further emphasized by the shared experiences of military families. A particularly touching story involves a pilot diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 31, who tragically lost their battle just 18 months later. These stories illustrate the critical need for timely cancer screenings and support services that can ease the burdens of treatment on affected families.
As part of the fundraiser activities, a kickoff party will occur on October 19 at the Coronado VFW, featuring opportunity drawings and a silent auction. Local businesses and individuals are invited to participate as sponsors or provide in-kind donations to bolster the fundraising efforts.
Every dollar raised through the tournament will go directly towards supporting families affected by cancer, showcasing the community’s dedication to helping those who serve and protect the nation. The overarching goal of the event extends beyond fundraising; it aims to raise awareness about cancer rates among military aircrew, ultimately advocating for a need for improved screening and support systems for these brave individuals and their families.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Military Aircrew 24% More Likely to Get Cancer
- Wikipedia: Cancer
- Coronado Eagle Journal: Islander Baseball Fundraiser
- Google Search: Cancer in Military
- Coronado Times: Coronado Golf Course
- Google Scholar: Cancer Screening Military Personnel
- El Paso Times: Scholarship Organization Transparency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Statistics
- San Diego Magazine: Charity Golf Tournament
- Google News: Cancer Fundraising Events
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
